Body in Huntsville ditch identified as that of missing person; murder probe under way

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Huntsville police have identified a body found in a drainage ditch Wednesday morning as that of Joseph Hamaker, who was reported missing Aug. 14, according to police spokesman Harry Hobbs.

After smelling a foul odor, a citizen discovered the body in a drainage ditch at the intersection of Bonnie View and Scenic View drives in a neighborhood off Sparkman Drive near the Pulaski Pike intersection.

The resident who made the grisly discovery followed a foul odor to the drainage ditch, where he saw the body and called police about 9:50 a.m Wednesday.

Hobbs said late Thursday afternoon that Hamaker was last seen at Shoney's restaurant Aug. 13 at 2 a.m., police said.

Family members found his motorcycle in the Shoney's parking lot that afternoon and called police.

On Aug. 16 police asked for the public's help in locating Hamaker.

Preliminary autopsy results positively identified the body found Wednesday as that of Hamker and caused police to launch a homicide investigation, according to police.

Police did not disclose how Hamaker died or any other details about the investigation.